Petting zoo animals is to become illegal as per the amendments that Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo will be proposing for the laws regulating zoos, and so will captive breeding of such animals, unless exempted by the directorate or veterinary regulation.
Speaking to MaltaToday on Monday, Refalo explained that his proposals emphasise the need for there to be a distance between the zoo animal and the visitor, meaning that any zoo which provides photo or petting service will no longer be possible.
Further amendments include the prohibition of captive breeding for personal gain, exemptions can be given for conservation and scientific purposes as specified by the directorate.
Another amendment to this law will ascertain that every zookeeper has the necessary permits for their enclosures in order to stop any cases were owners build without such permits and later have their land regularised.
One such case is Noah’s Ark zoo in Siggiewi which is looking to have a number of areas regularised after having been built on illegal land.
These proposals are being opened to public consultation starting from Tuesday 13 October through to 27 October.
Asked whether he will scrutinise any zoos who do not have the financial means to maintain a zoo, Minister Refalo said that this is not under his remit.